Using technology to improve pilot performance

Wichita State University professor Jibo explains the project includes testing a head-mounted display and wearable devices used in simulator-based pilot training.

The FAA selected research teams from the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to lead the new Air Transportation Center of Excellence (COE) for Technical Training and Human Performance.

The COE will conduct research and development on technical training for air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, pilots and technicians.

The FAA is funding the research with a nearly $290,000 grant.

As principal investigator, He is studying the decision-making process of air traffic controllers with the goal of improving aviation safety and human performance of pilots.

Three graduate and two undergraduate students are working on the project in He’s Human Interaction Automation Laboratory.

He is also working with WSU aerospace engineering professor James Steck to develop better technologies for aviation safety. They have developed a Traffic Collision Advisory System (TCAS) using Google Glass to alert pilots of potential collisions.

The COE program is a long-term, cost-sharing partnership between academia, industry and government. The FAA works with center members and affiliates to conduct research in airspace and airport planning and design, environment and aviation safety, as well as to engage in other activities to assure a safe and efficient air transportation system.

The collaboration between universities, He say, is key to the success of this research.

“Aviation research needs a lot of resources – access to airports, pilots, air traffic controllers and expensive flight simulators. It is rare for a single researcher or institute to own all these resources,” He says. “Collaboration allows us to share resources and inspire each other.”